Which is more important

To have a fast processing chip or 2GB of RAM

 

2GB RAM. Most modern processors are more than capable of doing what they are asked.

BTW, what are you planning on doing with the notebook?

Welcome to NBR!

 

If you have make a choice though on the outset, get the fastest processor you can afford. You can always add more ram later.

 

Basically everything, internet, TV, Photos, Music, and maybe some games

 

RAM is cheap and easily installed. A new CPU can cost a ton and takes patience, skill, and very good instructions on how to disassemble and work with your particular laptop to install.

CPU now, RAM later.

 

what if i don't plan on installing more RAM later

 

It really depends on what processor you would be upgrading to...

 

Memory. As night_2004 already stated, most modern processors have plenty of processing power. It also depends what you will be using the notebook for. We really need more background.

 

I try to do whatever I can to get whatever processor is at the price performance sweet spot.

Right now that seems to be the T7200 2GHz with 4MB cache.

Prolly a dumb theory, but, to some degree I think it helps on resale to have certain processors. My last 5150 was a 3GHz. Even though it makes no real world difference, it looks better than 2.8GHz. Same now with 2GHz over 1.83GHz.

I do agree though, any of these Core Duo and Core 2 Duo chips are fine for most users.

 

First compare and see if it's cheaper to order ram later, with some manufactures it costs more to order the ram with the laptop. If that's the case upgrade to the T7200 and then order ram from NewEgg, etc. whenever you get some extra money to purchase it. With most laptops, to add ram you just remove a plastic cover on the bottom and stick them in. If you aren't comfortable with it, it won't be hard to find someone to do it for you.

 

1) Well honestly in a case where you have a choice between a core duo with 2gb RAM or a core 2 duo with 1gb RAM... I would pick the better CPU and less RAM if you need to choose one or the other, if only because it's flippin' hard to swap a CPU in a notebook.

2) Also as mr_Bots pointed out many manufacturers charge double the going rate for RAM when you buy it from them. Not a good deal.

3) For most users, the difference between a core duo t2300 and a core 2 duo t7200 is not a whole lot. I know people (and I see sigs on this forum!) who are quite pleased using laptops with CPUs 3+ years out of date. Going from a pentium 4 mobile from 2003 to a core duo is going to be an eye-opener, but duo to 2 duo isn't.

4)As I already said if it's one or the other I would say CPU, but maybe that money is better invested in, for example, a better graphics card (which 99% of the time can't be upgraded at ALL) than two basically upgradable components. Or maybe put that cash toward a larger battery or the better screen option?

5) It's the stuff you can't upgrade you should worry about

 

There are points of merit on both sides of the argument but ask yourself, will you be comfortable upgrading anything later?

If yes, get the better processor and 1 ram chip installed, and as soon as you can afford to buy an extra 1gb stick and pop it in.

If no, the extra RAM will be more noticeable and worthwhile in the long run.

If the difference in processor is small e.g C2D 1.66 and 1.83 GHz the difference i guarantee is not noticeable. If its a C2D 5xxx series compared to a C2D 7xxx series then its worth it.